= Data collector!
  
image::ROOT:swarmlab.png[swarmlab,150,float=right]

The data collector is a lightweight microservice application that sends metadata, collected from a system, such as an IoT network, distributed system, data center, etc.

The data are transmitted, stored, and can be retrieved at any time.

== Start 

You can start it in the same way as you start any other application.

TIP: You can find more information http://docs.swarmlab.io/SwarmLab-HowTos/swarmlab/docs/swarmlab/docs/hybrid/start-microservices.html[here^]


=== Open web interface

Find "webclient" Instance from menou: 

* *Instances* - > click *more*

* *connect* -> "Click here to open the Web_App"

=== Open console

Find "webclient" Instance and *run*

[source,c]
----
docker exec ... Command
----


=== Source directory

The directory that contains the source is in "Directory Maps -> Local" column.


image::ROOT:swarmlab-connect.png[float=right]


* (1)  Opens the info  menu 
* (2)  Run a shell in a running container
* (3)  Opens web interface
* (4),(5)  Source directory -  Directory Maps

*"Directory Maps"* are the preferred mechanism for persisting data generated by and used by Docker containers. We use here "bind mounts" and they are dependent on the directory structure and OS of the host machine.

WARNING: Your local changes to the files will be overwritten by click on "Download" button. You should always *take a full backup* first (simple copy the directory tree)